IN every nation, symbols such as the flag, the anthem, the coat of arms and the iconic animals that represent the people hold deep, unifying power.

In Guyana, few symbols resonate as profoundly as the Jaguar, a proud emblem of our resilience, strength, and heritage.

It stands boldly on our coat of arms and runs through the veins of our national identity. That is why the recent controversy over its political use demands serious reflection.

Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the National Protected Areas Commission, Robert Persaud, has rightly sounded the alarm: our national symbols are not political tools. His comments, shared via social media, serve as a powerful reminder that symbols such as the Jaguar are intended to represent all Guyanese — not any single political party or individual interest.

This response comes in light of businessman and presidential hopeful Azruddin Mohamed naming his newly formed party “We Invest in Nationhood” (WIN) and adopting the Jaguar as its logo. While every political actor has the right to organise, inspire and compete in the democratic arena, that right should not extend to repurposing national symbols for partisan gain.

Doing so not only dilutes the unifying value of the symbol, but also risks deepening political divisions in a society already grappling with historical and ethnic fault lines.

As Persaud noted, “The Jaguar is more than a powerful animal. It speaks to who we are as Guyanese… Turning this national symbol into a party logo strips it of that shared meaning.” And he’s absolutely right. The use of national emblems in political campaigns can distort their meaning and alienate citizens who may associate them with one party or figure instead of the nation as a whole.

Around the world, countries guard their national symbols fiercely. There are protocols for how flags are flown, anthems are played and emblems are displayed. These protocols are not about bureaucracy or elitism, they are about respect.

About collective ownership. When politicians use national symbols to brand themselves or their movements, they are, intentionally or not, claiming exclusive right to something that belongs to all citizens equally.

Guyana must not go down that path. We are a young, diverse democracy still defining our national story. In this moment, it is crucial that we reaffirm the shared values that bind us together, not erode them for political branding. Our symbols, the Golden Arrowhead, the Canje Pheasant, the Victoria Regia Lily, and yes, the Jaguar, are sacred in that they speak to every Guyanese, regardless of race, religion, class, or political leaning.

If we allow these symbols to become partisan logos, we lose part of what keeps us whole.

Let us take Persaud’s call to heart; let us preserve the meaning of our symbols and protect their roles in telling our collective story.

Political parties may come and go. Elections will be won and lost. But the symbols of Guyana must remain above the fray, a constant reminder of our shared heritage, struggles, and aspirations.